§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Prime Minister what mechanisms exist for consultations between the Departments headed by the Secretary of State for the Environment and the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry before licences are issued for oil exploration in areas of high landscape value.
§ The Prime MinisterThe award of licences to permit exploration for and exploitation of our onshore petroleum resources is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy. There is no formal mechanism for involvement of other Departments in this matter. The provisions he has laid down for the exercise of rights under these licences requre that such exercise is subject to the full rigours of the planning process. I believe that this procedure is the best and most appropriate safeguard for environmental and amenity issues.